To prevent parasitic worms, you should limit the consumption of raw meat or fish, disinfect cutting boards or utensils used for raw foods, and always wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food.
Parasites are organisms that live in and feed on a host. There are many types of parasitic worms that can inhabit humans, such as pinworms, tapeworms, liver flukes, hookworms, and whipworms.
The risk of parasitic worm infection is higher in rural or developing areas. Particularly, this risk is increased in places where food and drinking water may be contaminated and where sanitation conditions are poor.
How You Can Get Infected with Worms
According to WebMD, you can get infected with parasitic worms in various ways, depending on the type of worm. Often, you may accidentally swallow worms or their eggs. Some types of parasitic worms can penetrate the skin when they are still young and small.
Sometimes, you can become infected with worms when bitten by an infected insect or when consuming meat from infected animals. Worms are transmitted through the urine or feces of infected animals or humans.
Symptoms of Parasitic Worms in Humans
According to Healthline, it may be hard to believe, but you might not always know there is an unwanted guest inside you. You may not have any symptoms, or they could be quite mild. Symptoms you might notice include:
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
Additionally, other typical symptoms of certain types of parasites may include:
- Tapeworms: A lump or swelling under the skin, allergies, fever, neurological issues such as seizures.
- Liver flukes: It may take weeks or months to notice additional symptoms of liver fluke infection, which may include fever and fatigue.
- Pinworms: Pinworms can sometimes cause anal itching.
- Hookworms: Rash, itching, anemia, fatigue.
- Whipworms: As whipworms move through the bloodstream and invade other tissues or muscles, they can cause fever, facial swelling, muscle pain, headaches, light sensitivity, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
Walking barefoot in areas that may contain feces increases the risk of infection with parasitic worms. (Photo: Naturundheilen).
How to Prevent Parasitic Worm Infections
The following tips can help you prevent parasitic worm infections:
- Avoid or limit the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, fish, or poultry.
- Avoid cross-contamination while preparing food by keeping raw meat separate from other foods.
- Disinfect all cutting boards, utensils, and countertops that have come into contact with raw meat.
- Do not eat raw watercress or other freshwater plants.
- Avoid walking barefoot in areas where the soil may contain feces.
- Clean up animal waste as soon as possible.
Additionally, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water at these times:
- Before eating.
- Before preparing food.
- After handling raw meat.
- After using the restroom.
- After changing diapers or caring for someone who is sick.
- After touching animals or animal waste.
When Traveling
Preventing parasitic worm infections can be more challenging when traveling, especially to areas with poor sanitation. Therefore, this is a time when you should be even more vigilant. When traveling, take the following precautions:
- Be aware of how your food is prepared.
- Only drink bottled water.
- Carry hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best, but if clean water and soap are not available, hand sanitizer can help prevent parasitic worm infections.
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